In a swift response to a devastating fire at a popular nightclub in North Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced a high-level investigation and immediate safety checks across the state. The tragic incident at the Birch by Romeo Lane night club in Arpora on Saturday night resulted in significant loss of life and injuries.
Chief Minister's Immediate Response and Orders
Within minutes of receiving news of the fire, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant directed authorities to initiate a magisterial inquiry into the incident. He convened a high-level meeting with top officials, including the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP), to assess the situation on the ground.
"I am closely reviewing the situation arising from the tragic fire incident at Arpora, in which 25 people lost their lives and six were injured," stated CM Sawant. He confirmed that all injured individuals are in stable condition and receiving the best possible medical care. The government has also extended all necessary assistance to the affected families.
Safety Crackdown and Alleged Norm Violations
Following his visit to the site hours after the fire, the Chief Minister revealed alarming lapses. He asserted that the club did not follow any safety norms and had no proper fire safety measures in place. A key focus of the inquiry will be to establish under what permissions the establishment was operating.
Sawant issued a stern warning, stating that the government would act against any authorities found to have granted permissions to the club without following due procedures and norms. He highlighted a systemic issue where club managements sometimes bypass essential clearances. "In some cases, the club management approaches local panchayat bodies and obtains permission to operate their club, and that is why they never approached the directorate of fire and emergency services," he explained. He added that sometimes, even the police are unaware if clubs have the necessary permissions.
State-Wide Audits and Future Actions
To prevent such a tragedy from recurring, CM Sawant has mandated a comprehensive safety audit of all nightclubs across Goa. He has given clear instructions to authorities to immediately shut down any clubs that fail to implement adequate fire safety measures. This move aims to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and hold negligent operators accountable.
The magisterial inquiry is expected to pinpoint the exact cause of the fire and identify those responsible for the lapses that led to the catastrophic event. The state government's actions signal a serious intent to overhaul safety protocols in the state's bustling hospitality and nightlife sector.
